Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he is stepping away “for a period of time” to seek treatment following last week’s rollover crash, after which the 15-time major winner was found with two hydrocodone pills in his left pant pocket, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Tiger Woods was later charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He has entered a plea of not guilty in his DUI case, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods wrote in a post on X.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
With Woods prioritizing his well-being, he will not be making his return to Augusta National next week, The Masters confirmed Tuesday night.
While his status in the first major championship of the season was already uncertain amid his recovery from back and Achilles injuries, Woods’ recent arrest in Jupiter, Florida, overshadowed those setbacks.
The PGA Tour released a statement expressing support for Woods, calling him a legend whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course, while emphasizing that their focus remains on his health and well-being.
New PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp also issued a statement following Woods’ announcement, saying Woods is one of the most influential figures in sports and expressing support for him and his family during this period.
The probable cause affidavit released Tuesday revealed that Woods told Martin County, Florida, police he was looking at his phone and changing a radio station when, around 2 p.m. on Friday, his Range Rover collided with a slower-moving pickup truck’s trailer and rolled onto its driver’s side.
There were no injuries, and Woods climbed out of the SUV on his own.
Officers said Woods showed several signs of impairment at the scene. They were not suspicious of alcohol but suspected medications or drugs. Woods took a breathalyzer test, which returned a 0.00 reading, but he did not submit to a urine test. He was described as lethargic at the scene and attempted to explain the injuries and procedures he had undergone in recent months.
Woods had only recently returned to competitive golf days before the crash, playing in the TGL indoor golf final with his Jupiter Links Golf Club team. It marked his first true competitive golf appearance since the 2024 British Open. He ruptured his Achilles in March 2025 and later underwent surgery for a lumbar disc replacement in October.
